Each year SCED offers study circles to the high school and middle school students of Schenectady. Study Circles help students from different communities in Schenectady County and from different backgrounds such as racial, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds examine diversity issues in their schools and where they live. Many students experience negativity from others such as discrimination, isolation and bullying caused by these differences. Study Circles not only provide a safe and structured environment to discuss concerns; but also provides opportunities for positive actions.
12 students from each middle school in Schenectady County will come together for 1 and ½ days for a study circles experience on the topic of racism. At the end of the second day, students from each school will make an "Action Plan" to take back to their home school.
Students from High Schools in Schenectady County are offered an opportunity to participate in study circles. Held for two full days-one week apart at Union College-students explore their own experience with racism and diversity in school and the community. At the end of the second day, students from each school will make an "action plan" to take back to their home school.